Kap

Any opinions on using cat cleaner additive? My check engine light goes on about every 500+ miles, usually in hot conditions, to indicate a problem with bank B. A friend says NAPA's catalytic cleaner in gas tanks should solve it.
I am wary of additives so thought I'd check with the group first.

Meanwhile annual report: I headed to the Adirondacks last week to check my cabin. It's several hundred miles on the highway followed by four miles of logging/snowmobile right-of-way in 4lo. I left the exhaust pipe in one mudhole and the muffler in an up-and-down bounce through deep ruts..... Problem was the ripped up exhaust system screwed the sensors and 100 miles short on my return, engine began to sputter, misfire, and quit. Finally called AAA for the tow last leg back.

Tires are new Goodyear Wrangler 235-75-15s which were a low-cost compromise. Good enough but I wish I'd gone for a more aggressive tread after all.

I am v. happy with my 2000 Cherokee. The muddy trail incident was one of those things that we all do when we push a Jeep. But I saw a clean 98 Sahara with lower mileage than mine for sale nearby and am considering a change.... probably not, but you never know.

Good jeeping to everyone on the first day of summer. Kap

fb97xj1

Whats the code?

BlueRidgeMark

I've heard that Land Rover has a 4WD driving school in Colorado. Aspen area, IIRC.

It's not for people who want to have fun running amok in rough terrain. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's a very different game.

They teach 4WD driving for people who want to get where they are going, across sometimes rough terrain, where help is not a phone call away. It's a game where NOT getting where you are going could cost lives. The goal is to get there.

They have a motto that I find interesting, and valuable.

"As slow as possible, as fast as necessary."

JeepingDan

Is it a PO420 code?

Ralph77

My guess is a P0432. Tried a cat cleaner additive in my '00 with CA Emissions. No go. Just so happened that I needed a new muffler and tailpipe so I replaced the whole exhaust with Walker parts. Now all the monitors in my Jeep come up in about 26 miles.

cruiser54

Here's what I do once a year.

97XJ Journey

Five minutes or so after reading this I can finally see to type.

Kap

Update: yup, OBD readout was P0432 main catalyst -

BlueRidgeMark

A few random thoughts.

1. Cruiser is in a random mood today.
2. A shot cat is only a problem from an emissions standpoint. As long as it's not plugged, it's not hurting you.
3. A can or two of cleaner is a lot cheaper than new cat, so why not?

Ralph77

Been there so that was my guess. BlueRidgeMark makes some good points. Also google P0432. There are other things that could make the Jeep throw this CEL. Anything from exhaust leaks, O2 sensors, fuel trims, etc. I ruled all those out so just bit the bullet and bought a new cat. Like I said needed a new muffler and tailpipe so just went to town. If money is not to tight you might want to consider replacing all the O2 sensors while you are there. I did. Figured they had 150K on them and just needed to go. Here is where you might have a problem. Guessing when you say Adirondacks you mean NY. I am under the impression that you play by CA Emissions rules. I was able to buy the Walker 52304. For '00's with CA Emissions with a build date after 1/20/00 not registered in CA or NY. So I could buy the cheaper one. You might have to purchase a CA Emissions cat.

Bugout4x4

Had to come see what was so interesting happening over here. Going by the thread title... I would have to admit that the "iron rod" was the best "Cat cleaner" I have found yet...

Kap

Thanks everyone. Now have new exhaust (and a new sensor), replacing what tore off in series of deep rut / mudholes on narrow Adirondack right-of-way (Northern New York State). If that code PO432 shows again too soon, I will try the cat cleaner additive and report back.

BlueRidgeMark